The wide-ranging offering at DLA Piper spans specialist expertise in technology disputes, group litigation, contract management and investigations. Simon Kenyon co-heads the Leeds team, praised for his ‘commercial sense and strategic acumen’ he has a strong track record in cross-border telecoms disputes. Fellow co-head David Young is active across disputes in sectors ranging from logistics to central government. Sohail Ali is versed in the intricacies of Islamic finance disputes. Post-M&A claims and the conducting of company internal investigations are strong suits for Kathryn Ford. Joanna Haigh excels in IT and outsourcing disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sohail Ali is an excellent lawyer - a top partner in this area; excellent with clients and very knowledgeable.’
‘Simon Kenyon is an excellent partner: outstanding commercial sense and strategic acumen.’
‘The quality, efficiency and attitude of the staff provided is exemplary.'
‘DLA has served us well in corporate and commercial matters for more than a decade. There is real strength in depth from juniors to partners.’
‘Simon Kenyon got to the heart of a dispute which revolved around some complicated drafting. He grasped the issues and articulated this clearly to the client and the defendant. He was always available and had an engaging manner making him easy to work with.’
‘A standout firm for commercial litigation, with a very strong team of lawyers. DLA are a go-to firm for tenacious but knowledgable litigation.'
‘David Young is one of the best pensions litigators in the country. Thoughtful and extremely bright, but also commercial and strategically astute. Katheryn Ford is an excellent litigator and all-round lawyer. Bright, engaged, knowledgeable and excellent judgement.’
Key clients
- Adobe
- Aer Lingus
- ANZ Bank
- Ardagh Glass
- Astra Asset Management
- Athora Ireland Services Limited
- Atos
- AXA UK Plc
- Bank of Ireland
- Binance
Work highlights
- Represented Astra Asset Management in successfully obtaining summary judgment in the High Court against Odin Automobile for the enforcement of a liquidated damages provision in a mandate document.
- Defending a French Law claim brought by Midi France Telecom SAS in the High Court, relating to alleged non-contractual entitlement to damages, or mistakenly paid fees in the alternative.
- Representing West Coast Railways in a commercial judicial review in relation to a dispute with the Office of Rail and Road.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Simon Kenyon; David Young
Other key lawyers
Sohail Ali; Kathryn Ford; Joanna Haigh